Development in the Niger Delta must be tech-driven, and the drive must begin at home, the tech must have roots in the institutions in the oil region.
This is hallmark of a tech drive unveiled by the Rivers State University (RSU), which actually was the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), which was the dream of the founding fathers when it was established as the Rivers State College of Science Technology in 1972 before transforming to Nigeria’s pioneer University of Science and Technology (UST) at the back of discovery of oil in the region.
The tech backbone was unveiled as Rivers State Digital Initiative (RSDI), a broad-based ICT system that would transform the RSU into a smart university with what is called connected campus which is to be paperless.
The event which attracted top educationists, professors, and the tech community took place at the Senate Building of the RSU in Nkpolu/Oroworokwo in the heart of the Garden City. Present, most importantly, was Bariname Beke Fakae (simply called BB Fakae), the one-time vice chancellor credited with the foundation of the ICT drive of the then UST.
The RSU seems to fight on two fundamental fronts with the Digital Initiative: it wants to drive development in the oil region which is hub of the hydrocarbon industry; and compete in the global academia hoping to climb into the top 100 best universities in the world, top 20 in Africa, and top 3 in Nigeria.
By this declaration, the RSU wants to rub shoulders with and take after the likes of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, MA, USA; University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Imperial College London, UK; Harvard University Cambridge, MA, USA; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; University of Cambridge, UK; and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Pasadena, CA, USA.
Back home, the Rivers State University eagerly wants to climb to at least number 3 to join Nigeria’s top 5 universities such as University of Ibadan (UI) – Ibadan, Oyo State; University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Lagos; Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – Kano, Kano State; Covenant University – Ota, Ogun State.
Before stepping into the Senate Building, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, the Vice Chancellor, a management professor, told newsmen at the Red Carpet that the unveiling marks takeoff of the journey to a smart university. He allayed fears of managing digital complexities, saying they were prepared to adjust as they travel along the digital highway.
He said there is no innovation without challenges. “In fact, the challenges will enable us improve the system and make it perfect. We have already anticipated some, and we have provided for them. Of course, the world is going technological, so we leverage technology to facilitate the things we are doing.
“For example, if you look at the sponsor’s link, we have experiences of parents and guardians not knowing whether their wards are actually students of this university or not. The sponsor’s link now provides parents and guardians the opportunity to keep a tab on the registration, fees payment, and academic performance of their students. So, the challenges of technology should not deter us from experimenting it. And whenever we have hitches, we review the system and we improve upon it.”
The RSU’s hunger for academic excellence through digital tech was further unveiled by Idayingi Daminabo, registrar of the university, who welcomed the guests by saying the event marks a significant milestone in their collective journey toward academic excellence, administrative efficiency, and institutional relevance in a rapidly evolving world. “It represents a bold and strategic transition into a new era, an era defined by innovation, technology, and purposeful leadership.”
She pointed at what she called digital leadership of the vice chancellor, saying it has continued to drive the transformation of the RSU into a modern, responsive, and globally competitive institution. “This digital direction is both timely and necessary, as universities across the world leverage technology to improve learning, research, administration and general governance.
“Digitization is central to this transformation. It simplifies processes, enhances transparency, improves turnaround time, and ensures that services are delivered with greater ease and efficiency. More importantly, it fosters ease of understanding and acceptance among users, staff, students, and stakeholders alike, because systems that are intuitive, accessible, and reliable naturally encourage participation and ownership.
“They are enablers of a new culture and a new time in our university, one that embraces innovation, promotes accountability, and supports seamless interaction within our university community.
“The challenges within this region require smart, scalable, and technology-driven solutions. This new era of digital transformation initiatives will position the university in its rightful place of an “e-varsity”, which not only aligns with global best practices but also helps us claim our rightful place as a hub of digital excellence, creativity and problem-solving in this region.”
She however warned that technology alone cannot transform an institution; “It requires people who are willing to adapt, to learn, and to embrace change. I therefore encourage every member of the University community to take ownership of these initiatives and actively engage with the systems and programmes being introduced.
“We seek a future where Rivers State University stands as a model e-varsity, defined by excellence, creativity, efficiency, innovation, and impact.”
Vice Chancellor lays the new digital canvas:
Zeb-Opibi unveiled the various tools that would transform the RSU into an e-varsity. “Our goal is simple yet profound: to create a connected campus that empowers every stakeholder, students, staff, sponsors, alumni, and partners.”
Championing a Connected Campus
The RSU Digital Initiatives represent a collective vision, a suite of platforms and systems designed to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and enrich the University experience for all. Let me take a moment to highlight the transformative power of each solution.
V-Learning – The Virtual Learning Management System is to help redefine education delivery. Lecturers can now teach, assess, and engage students virtually, while students enjoy flexible access to learning materials anytime, anywhere. This system integrates registered courses automatically, supports live classes, and provides analytics to track performance. For our students, it means freedom to learn beyond the classroom. For our lecturers, it means tools to teach smarter. For RSU, it means a leap toward global competitiveness.
FiriX – Workflow and Document Management System helps to say goodbye to the inefficiencies of paper-based administration.
CAP-Computer for All Programme: This ensures that every student and staff member can own a personal computer through affordable installment plans. This initiative bridges the digital divide, promotes ICT-driven learning, and empowers our community to participate fully in the digital age. It is a step toward equity in access to technology.
RSU e-Campus Aspire Mobile App: This brings RSU to your fingertips. From fee payments and course registration to result checking and notifications. Students can now manage their academic life on the go.
SponsorsLink: Through this, we are strengthening accountability and trust. Sponsors, parents, and guardians can now monitor their wards’ academic progress and financial obligations in real time.
RSU Innovation Hub & Creative and Innovation Academy (CIA): These are the beating heart of creativity and entrepreneurship at RSU. Here, students and staff will learn software development, data science, animation, product design, cybersecurity, and digital media, skills that prepare them for global opportunities. It is a space where ideas become solutions, and solutions become enterprises. RSU is not just producing graduates; we are nurturing innovators and job creators.
Campus-wide Internet Infrastructure: This reliable, high-speed internet is the backbone of a digital university. Our pilot deployment at the Senate Building is the first step toward a fully connected campus.
Digital Information Display System across campus will ensure that information flows instantly and efficiently. Announcements, events, and updates that reach everyone in real time.
MedixTrak – Health Management Information System helps to digitize healthcare delivery at the RSU Medical Centre. Patient records, prescriptions, and laboratory results are now securely managed online.
RSU Alumni Website will bring all past students together once again. It is a digital hub for networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and lifelong engagement. Through this platform, our alumni will continue to contribute to the growth and global reputation of Rivers State University.
e-Payslips
Staff monthly pay advice in staff personal university mail account; ensuring easy access to their monthly payslips for a variety of purposes.
He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, a digital university is only as strong as the people who power it. Technology becomes meaningful only when the people behind it are empowered to use it effectively. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that following today’s launch, all staff of Rivers State University will undergo a mandatory ICT training and capacity development programme. This programme will cover: General ICT proficiency; Digital literacy for modern administration; Hands-on training on all the new RSU digital platforms; Best practices for digital service delivery.
“For the avoidance of doubt, please note: This is a certified course fully sponsored by the University, in partnership with Cinfores Limited; No staff member will bear any cost. This is our investment to you, for your growth, confidence, and capability to deliver a world-class service in a digital environment; This training ensures that every Faculty, department, and administrative unit is fully equipped to operate efficiently within our new digital ecosystem. It ensures that RSU’s transformation is not just technological-driven, but human-centered.”
He poured more encomiums on Fakae, saying: “It is important to at this point pay a debt of gratitude to Prof. B. B. Fakae who laid the foundation of our e-University and our Governing Council for its support.”
He went on: “As we launch these digital solutions today, we are not just unveiling technology, we are unveiling possibilities. We are building a university where innovation thrives, where access is universal, and where excellence is the standard.
“As we launch these platforms today, I encourage all members of our university community to actively engage with them. The success of these solutions depends not only on technology but on how effectively we adopt and integrate them into our daily activities. Let this launch mark the beginning of a new chapter for Rivers State University, a chapter defined by innovation, efficiency, excellence, and a truly enhanced university experience.
“It is our expectation that we will all embrace this transformation with pride and purpose. Let us work together to ensure that Rivers State University remains a beacon of knowledge, creativity, excellence, and progress, not only in Nigeria but across the world.”
In his goodwill message, Fakae, a researcher renowned as one of Africa’s foremost professors of veterinary parasitology and entomology, described the day as a milestone that signifies not only progress, but also continuity, vision, and institutional maturity.
“As one who had the privilege of laying the early foundations for a digital culture in this University, I am deeply gratified to witness how those seeds have grown into a robust ecosystem of innovation.
“What we began years ago as a bold aspiration—to reposition RSU as a technologically-driven, globally-competitive institution—has today evolved into a comprehensive digital framework that enhances teaching, learning, research, administration, and service delivery.”
He commended the Vice-Chancellor and the entire University Administration for sustaining and advancing the vision. “By preserving and strengthening the legacy of an e-Varsity, you affirm the foundations that have shaped RSU’s modern identity.
“The introduction of platforms such as the Learning Management System, FiriX Workflow, CAP, the RSU Mobile App, SponsorsLink, and the Creative and Innovation Academy (CIA) reflects forward-thinking leadership committed to excellence, efficiency, and the future of education.
“Digital transformation is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing journey. Today’s launch is a powerful reminder that RSU is not only keeping pace with global developments, but is also positioning itself to lead.
These initiatives will undoubtedly enhance student experience, strengthen administrative efficiency, deepen research capabilities, and establish the University as a model within and beyond Nigeria.”
He said the future belongs to institutions that innovate—and to individuals who are willing to learn, adapt, and lead.
“As we celebrate this new chapter, I reaffirm my unwavering goodwill and continued support for the University. May this initiative open greater opportunities for growth, collaboration, and global relevance for Rivers State University.”
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the CINFORES team that built the backbone, led by Ibifuro Asawo, who said the team took one year to build the Digital Back Bone.
He said the organization began with one product but now have over 10, including the e-voting platform.
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